Stamford, NY

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Disaster Preparedness

Description: Frequent power outages and flooding left many older adults without clear steps to prepare for emergencies or access essential help. The Council responded by hosting eight disaster preparedness workshops and distributing 100 go bags with emergency items, plus radios and water purification straws. The sessions helped residents understand what to do during a crisis and where to turn for support. Local officials received toolkits to guide long term planning. One volunteer firefighter said she learned new information that she planned to share with her squad. Some participants now intend to create personalized emergency plans to improve readiness.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

Westminster, MD

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Disaster Preparedness

Description: Many older adults living independently had little emergency preparedness information or supplies, leaving them uncertain about how they would respond during an unexpected event. Caring Carroll addressed this need by assembling and delivering more than 100 personal emergency preparedness kits to residents age 60-plus. Volunteers paired these supplies with practical guidance during rides and visits, helping preparedness become part of routine support rather than a one-time message. Training increased awareness among both volunteers and care receivers, many of whom had never considered personal emergency planning. Residents reported feeling more confident knowing they had basic tools and someone looking out for them. Residents reached out after these kits were delivered to show their thanks, underscoring how the project strengthened trust, reassurance and a sense of security for older adults aging in place.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

Bethany Beach, DE

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Disaster Preparedness

Description: Bethany Beach Landowners Association set out to close gaps in disaster readiness for older adults in a coastal area prone to storms and evacuations. Planning was fragmented and many residents lacked clear steps for alerts, evacuation and essential documents. The association convened local leaders and ran hands-on workshops where participants enrolled in alert systems, learned Know Your Zone guidance and used checklists and calendars to plan. A central repository pushed life-saving tips to thousands and spurred new community emergency response teams. The town added a Storm Ready page and leaders pledged ongoing updates to keep preparedness front and center. Participants reported immediate action, and praised the success of the program. The project turned guidance into concrete steps that support safer decisions when the next storm threatens.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.